AP-NORC Poll Reveals Americans Want President Biden to Deal With Russia More Harshly

What do Americans think of our president’s handling of the war between Russia and Ukraine?

Only 43% of Americans approve of Biden and a similar percentage approve of his handling of the relationship with Russia. Both measures are little different from an AP-NORC poll conducted days before the Feb. 24 invasion.

Americans support of U.S. in the Russia-Ukraine war was increased. But this does not overlook their negative approval of our president. Few are very confident that he can handle a crisis, and a majority thinks he lacks toughness in dealing with Russia.

Despite the sanctions placed on Russia, Russia still continues to hit cities in Ukraine with air strikes and artillery even though it is suffering a stalled ground invasion. Russia has gone so far as to attack civilian outposts.

According to Jake Sullivan, Biden’s national security adviser, the Biden administration will work with European allies in three areas: (1) strategy to aid Ukraine military; (2) increase sanctions on Russia; (3) combating the worse humanitarian crisis ever.

Only about a quarter are very confident that the president has the ability to handle a crisis, promote U.S. standing in the world or effectively manage the U.S. military, though most have at least some confidence.

Fifty-six percent of Americans think Biden has not been tough enough on Russia, while 36% say his approach has been “about right.”

Even among members of his own party, Biden faces pressure to do more. The poll shows Democrats are closely divided over the president’s response, with 43% saying he hasn’t been tough enough. Somewhat more, 53%, say it’s been “about right.”

Chris Hollander, a research assistant in Denver, says listening to the intelligence community and getting NATO countries to work together reflect Biden’s “behind the scenes” leadership, Hollander, 33, said. “I think he’s threading a needle.”

Source: BCNN1